Method and system for controlling current flow through a power distribution circuit

ABSTRACT

An automotive vehicle capable of receiving power from a power distribution circuit including a power line and return line includes a controller disposed within the vehicle. The controller is configured to be electrically connected with the power distribution circuit, determine a difference between a resistance of the power line and a resistance of the return line, and control a current flow through the distribution circuit based on the determined difference.

BACKGROUND

A power cable is an assembly of two or more electrical conductors, usually held together with a sheath. The assembly may be used for transmission of electrical power. Power cables may be installed, for example, as permanent wiring within buildings, buried in the ground, run overhead or exposed. Flexible power cables may be used for portable devices, mobile tools and machinery.

Cables may include three major components: conductors, insulation and protective jacketing. The makeup of individual cables may vary according to application. The construction and material may be determined by the working voltage, current-carrying capacity and environmental conditions.

Power cables may use stranded copper or aluminum conductors. Some cables may include un-insulated conductors for circuit neutral or ground (earth) connection.

The overall assembly may be round or flat. Non-conducting filler strands may be added to the assembly to maintain its shape. Special purpose power cables for overhead or vertical use may have additional elements such as steel or Kevlar structural supports.

Common types of general-purpose cables are regulated by national and/or international codes. These codes define the various wire alloys that may make up a cable, its insulation type, and characteristics including its resistance to chemicals and sunlight.

Commonly-used power cables may contain an un-insulated bare wire for connection to earth ground. Three prong power outlets and plug-cords require a grounding wire. Extension cables often have an insulated grounding wire.

ROMEX is a cable made of solid copper wires with a nonmetallic plastic jacket containing a waxed paper wrapped inner group of at least a pair of 600 volt THWN plastic insulated service wires and a bare ground wire. A common ROMEX cable may thus have three wires: a neutral wire (colored white), a wire providing power to the load (colored black) and a bare grounding wire.

Another common ROMEX variant has a neutral, identified by white coloring, two phase wires: a first conductor (black) and a second conductor (usually red), and an un-insulated copper grounding wire. This type may be generally used for multiple switching locations of a common or shared lighting arrangement, such as for switches located at either end of a hallway, or on both upper and lower floors for stairway lighting.

SUMMARY

A method for controlling a current flow through a power distribution circuit including a power line and return line includes determining a difference between a resistance of the power line and a resistance of the return line, and controlling a current flow through the distribution circuit based on the determined difference.

An automotive vehicle capable of receiving power from a power distribution circuit including a power line and return line includes a controller disposed within the vehicle. The controller is configured to be electrically connected with the power distribution circuit, determine a difference between a resistance of the power line and a resistance of the return line, and control a current flow through the distribution circuit based on the determined difference.

A battery charger including controller circuitry is capable of receiving power from a power distribution circuit including a power line and return line, and transferring the power to a battery. The controller circuitry is configured to determine a difference between a resistance of the power line and a resistance of the return line, and to control current flow through the distribution circuit based on the determined difference.

While example embodiments in accordance with the invention are illustrated and disclosed, such disclosure should not be construed to limit the invention. It is anticipated that various modifications and alternative designs may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an automotive vehicle.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a battery charger.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an example electrical circuit including the battery charger of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an alternative representation of the electrical circuit of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is an example plot of percent change in load current due to charger current in the electrical circuit of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is an example plot of the voltage between the return and ground lines of FIG. 3 versus time as the battery charger of FIG. 3 is turned on and off.

FIG. 7 is a thermodynamic model of a wire in the electrical circuit of FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of an example algorithm for controlling current flow through the electrical circuit of FIGS. 3 and 4.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart of an expanded portion of the example algorithm of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIG. 1, an embodiment of an automotive vehicle 10, e.g., hybrid electric, electric, etc., includes a traction battery 12, electric machine 13, battery charger 14 and chassis 15. As apparent to those of ordinary skill, the traction battery 12 may provide motive power for the vehicle 10 via the electric machine 13.

The battery charger 14 may include a pair of coils 16, 18, a bridge rectifier 20, transistor 22, diode 24 and inductor 26. As apparent to those of ordinary skill, the transistor 22, diode 24 and inductor 26 form a buck regulator 27 and may be used to regulate the current from the bridge rectifier 20 to the traction battery 12.

The coil 18 includes a power terminal 28 and a return terminal 30. The coil 18 may be electrically connected with an electrical outlet 32 via a power cable 34. The electrical outlet 32 of FIG. 1 is a 120 V wall outlet. In other embodiments, the electrical outlet 32 may be a 240 V wall outlet, a multiphase wall outlet, etc. As known in the art, the turns ratio of the coils 16, 18 may depend on the voltages associated with the battery 12 and outlet 32.

The coil 16 may be electrically connected with the traction battery 12 through the bridge rectifier 20, transistor 22 and inductor 26. As known in the art, the bridge rectifier 20 (or diode bridge) may be an arrangement of four diodes in a bridge configuration. This arrangement may provide the same polarity of output voltage for any polarity of input voltage. In this embodiment, the bridge rectifier 20 converts alternating current input into direct current output.

The power cable 34 includes a power line 36, return line 38 and ground line 40. The power line 36 is electrically connected with the power terminal 28. The return line 38 is electrically connected with the return terminal 30. The ground line 40 is electrically connected with the chassis 15. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the power line 36 delivers current from the outlet 32 to the coil 18 and the return line 38 delivers current from the coil 18 to the outlet 32.

The battery charger 14 may also include a microprocessor 42, current sensors 44, 45 and voltage sensors 46, 47. The microprocessor receives current and voltage information from the current sensors 44, 45 and voltage sensors 46, 47. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the current sensor 44 senses current through the coil 18 and return terminal 30 and the voltage sensor 46 senses voltage between the return terminal 30 and ground line 40. The current sensor 45 senses current to the traction battery 12 and the voltage sensor 47 senses voltage across the traction battery 12. Other arrangements, however, are also possible. As an example, the voltage sensor 46 may be positioned to sense voltage between the power terminal 28 and return terminal 30. As another example, the current sensor 44 and/or voltage sensor 46 may be positioned to sense current and/or voltage between the bridge rectifier 20 and transistor 22. Other configurations are also contemplated.

The microprocessor 42 may determine a change in temperature of the power and/or return lines 36, 38 based on, for example, the current and voltage measured by the current and voltage sensors 44, 46. The instantaneous resistance, R, of a wire having a temperature coefficient of resistance, α, may be related to a change in temperature, ΔT, of the power and/or return lines 36, 38 by the following relation:

$\begin{matrix} {{R_{i}\left( {1 + {\alpha \; \Delta \; T}} \right)}{or}} & (1) \\ {{\Delta \; T} = \frac{\Delta \; R}{\alpha \; R_{i}}} & (2) \end{matrix}$

where R₁ is the initial resistance of the wire. In terms of voltages and currents, equation (2) may be rewritten as

$\begin{matrix} {{{\Delta \; T} = {\left( {\frac{V}{I} - \frac{V_{i}}{I_{i}}} \right)\left( \frac{I_{i}}{V_{i}} \right)\left( \frac{1}{\alpha} \right)}}{or}} & (3) \\ {{\Delta \; T} = {\left( {\frac{{VI}_{i}}{V_{i}I} - 1} \right)\left( \frac{1}{\alpha} \right)}} & (4) \end{matrix}$

where I and V are the instantaneous current and voltage measured respectively by the sensors 44, 46, and I_(i) and V_(i) are the initial current and voltage measured respectively by the sensors 44, 46. Based on equation (4), the microprocessor 42 may determine a change in temperature of the power and/or return lines 36, 38 based on the current and voltage measured by the current and voltage sensors 44, 46. In other embodiments, the battery charger 14 may control, in a known fashion, the current flow through it to keep it generally constant. Thus, the microprocessor 42 may determine a change in temperature of the power and/or return lines 36, 38 based only on the voltage measured by the voltage sensor 46. In still other embodiments, the microprocessor 42 may determine a change in temperature of the power and/or return lines 36, 38 based on the voltage measured between the power terminal 28 and return terminal 30.

As apparent to those of ordinary skill (using the notation described above),

$\begin{matrix} {{R_{i} = \frac{V_{LN}^{-} - V_{{LN}_{i}}^{+}}{2I}}{and}} & (5) \\ {{R = \frac{V_{LN}^{-} - V_{LN}^{+}}{2I}}{or}} & (6) \\ {R = \frac{V_{NG}^{-} - V_{{NG}_{i}}^{+}}{I}} & (7) \end{matrix}$

where V_(LN) ⁻ is the instantaneous voltage between the power terminal 28 and return terminal 30 just before current begins passing through the battery charger 14, V_(LNi) ⁺ is the instantaneous voltage between the power terminal 28 and return terminal 30 just after current begins passing through the battery charger 14, V_(LN) ⁺ is the instantaneous voltage between the power terminal 28 and return terminal 30 at any time after current begins passing through the battery charger 14, V_(NG) ⁻ is the instantaneous voltage between the return terminal 30 and the ground line 40 just before current begins passing through the battery charger 14 and V_(NGi) ⁻ is the instantaneous voltage between the return terminal 30 and the ground line 40 just after current begins passing through the battery charger 14.

Substituting equations (5) and (6) into equation (2) (and simplifying) yields

$\begin{matrix} {{\Delta \; T} = {\left( {\frac{V_{LN}^{-} - V_{LN}^{+}}{V_{LN}^{-} - V_{LNi}^{+}} - 1} \right)\left( \frac{1}{\alpha} \right)}} & (8) \end{matrix}$

Based on equation (8), the microprocessor 42 may thus determine a change in temperature of the power and/or return lines 36, 38 based on the voltage measured between the power terminal 28 and return terminal 30.

Alternatively, a temperature or change in temperature of the power and/or return lines 36, 38 may be determined in any suitable fashion. For example, temperature sensors, e.g., Wheatstone bridge, diode junction, etc., in communication with the microprocessor 42 and connected with the power and/or return lines 36, 38 may detect and communicate the temperature of the power and/or return lines 36, 38 to the microprocessor 42.

The microprocessor 42 may turn on and turn off the transistor 22 to control the flow of current to the traction battery 12. The microprocessor 42 may thus control the flow of current through the power and/or return lines 28, 30 via the transistor 22.

The power, P_(in), into the coil 18 is equal to the power, P_(out), out of the coil 16 (assuming negligible losses):

P_(n)=P_(out)   (9)

In terms of currents and voltages, equation (9) may be rewritten as

(I _(rms) V _(rms))Cos Θ=I _(BAT) V _(BAT)   (10)

where I_(rms) and V_(rms) are the root mean square current into and root mean square voltage across the coil 18 respectively, I_(BAT) and V_(BAT) are the current into and voltage across the traction battery 12 (the current and voltage measured by sensors 45, 47 respectively), and Cos Θ is the phase angle between I_(rms) and V_(rms). (As apparent to those of ordinary skill, Cos Θ is typically equal to 1 in systems with unity power factor correction. Further, when measuring the line to neutral voltage and the neutral to ground voltage, θ is the phase angle between these two AC voltages.) Assuming V_(rms) and V_(BAT) are generally constant and according to equation (10), changes in I_(BAT) will result in changes to I_(rms). That is, decreasing the duty cycle of the transistor 22 to reduce I_(BAT) will reduce I_(rms). (The microprocessor 42 may thus also determine a change in temperature of the power and/or return lines 36, 38 based on the current and voltage measured by the current sensor 44, 45 and voltage sensor 47. For example, equation (10) may be rearranged to solve for V_(rms) and substituted into (8)).

To maintain the temperature of the power and/or return lines 28, 30 within a desired range, the microprocessor 42 may begin to cycle the transistor 22, in a known manner, as the temperature and/or change in temperature of the power and/or return lines 28, 30 begins to approach an upper end of the range. For example, the microprocessor 42 may begin to cycle the transistor 42 to reduce the current flow if the change in temperature of the power and/or return lines 28, 30 exceeds 35 degrees C. Alternatively, the microprocessor 42 may begin to cycle the transistor 42 to reduce the current flow if the temperature of the power and/or return lines 28, 30 is within 7 degrees C. of the upper end of the range. Any suitable control scheme, however, may be used.

As illustrated, the charger 14 is integrated with the vehicle 10. In other embodiments, however, the charger 14 may be remote from the vehicle 10. For example, the charger 14 may be a stand alone unit that may be plugged into the electrical outlet 32 and vehicle 10. Other arrangements are also possible.

Referring now to FIG. 2, numbered elements that differ by 100 relative to numbered elements of FIG. 1 have similar descriptions to the numbered elements of FIG. 1. An embodiment of a battery charger 114 includes a bridge rectifier 120, boost regulator 121, buck regulator 127 and microprocessor 142. The bridge rectifier 120 is electrically connected with the boost regulator 121. The boost regulator 121 is electrically connected with the buck regulator 127. The microprocessor 142 may control the boost and buck regulators 121, 127. The circuitry of the bridge rectifier 120, boost regulator 121 and buck regulator 127 may take any suitable form.

The bridge rectifier 120 may be electrically connected with an electrical power outlet and convert alternating current input into direct current output. As apparent to those of ordinary skill, the microprocessor 142 may control the boost regulator 121, in a known fashion, to regulate the direct current output by the bridge rectifier 120 for power factor correction. Based on current and/or voltage measurements by the sensors 144, 146, the microprocessor 142 may control the buck regulator 127, using techniques similar to those described above, for power distribution temperature management. Of course, other arrangements and/or configurations are also possible.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the battery charger 114 has been electrically connected to a circuit 148 including a load 149 (unknown load), fuse box 150, and power source 152. The load 149 (such as a compressor for a refrigerator) is located between the battery charger 114 and fuse box 150 (similar, for example, to those commonly found in residential buildings). As apparent to those of ordinary skill, electrical power from the power source 152 is provided to the battery charger 114 via the fuse box 150.

As explained below, the presence of the unknown load 149 may affect the rate at which the battery charger 114 may pull current from the circuit 148. The following describes techniques for determining the loading capability of the example circuit 148. Once this loading capability has been determined, current may be pulled from the circuit 148 at a maximum rate that will not exceed the capability of the wiring of the circuit 148 or trip fuses associated with the wiring of the circuit 148.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the circuit 148 may be redrawn to show its various resistances, currents and voltages where R₁ is the resistance of the wire between the fuse box 150 and the load 149, R₂ is the resistance of the wire between the load 149 and the battery charger 114, R_(ul) is the resistance of the load 149, R_(Chgr) is the resistance of the battery charger 114, R_(source) is the resistance of the power source 152, V_(ac) is the voltage of the power source 152, V_(fusebox) is the voltage across the fuse box 150, V₁ is the voltage of the power line 136, V_(n) is the voltage of the return line 138, V_(g) is the voltage of the ground line 140, i₂ is the current flowing through the battery charger 114, i_(ul) is the current flowing through the load 149, and i₁ is the current flowing to the fuse box 150.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the characteristics of the circuit 148 may be determined by measuring the three voltages: V_(i), V_(n) and V_(g), and also the charger current i₂ in any known fashion. From Kirchhoff's Law (assuming the resistances, R₁, of the conductors between the fuse box 150 and unknown load 149 are the same and the resistances, R₂, of the conductors between the unknown load 149 and battery charger 114 are the same),

Vac=i ₁*(R _(source)+2R ₁ +R _(ul))−i ₂ *R _(ul),   (11)

0=i ₂*(2R ₂ +R _(Chgr) +R _(ul))−i ₁ *R _(ul),   (12)

V _(ng) =i ₁ *R ₁ +i ₂ *R ₂ and   (13)

0=i ₁ −i ₂ −i _(ul)   (14)

The maximum current rating and maximum wire resistance may additionally be used to evaluate the characteristics of the circuit 148. As an example, 14 G wire has a current rating of 15 A, and 12 G wire has a current rating of 20 A. Additionally, 14 G wire has a wire resistance of 2.54Ω/1000 ft, and 12 G wire has a wire resistance of 1.59Ω/1000 ft. Assuming a brown-out condition of 80 V or less at the wall outlet, a reasonable maximum wire resistance would be that wire resistance necessary to reduce the voltage at R_(Chgr) to 80 V when 15 A is drawn by the charger 114 and 0 A is drawn by the unknown load 149. This would require 20 V to be dropped across each set of resistors R₁ and R₂. Knowing that V=IR, R₁+R₂ should be less than 1.3Ω. This resistance may be even less. Otherwise, ⅓ of the power from the fuse box 150 may be dissipated in the wiring of the circuit 148.

Evaluating a typical home may illustrate how much less resistance is reasonable. Considering an 1800 ft² ranch that is 30 ft deep by 60 ft long, 90 ft (or less) of wire would be required to reach corner to corner in this home. In this case, R₁+R₂ is equal to (or less than) 0.23Ω for 14 G wire.

The load resistance required to draw 15 A from a 120V line is 120 V/15 A or 8Ω. Any lower load resistance would result in a current exceeding 15 A when connected directly to the 120V, i.e., R₁+R₂=0. When comparing the minimum load resistance, e.g., 8Ω, to the wire resistance, e.g., 0.23Ω, the load resistance is much greater. Therefore, an assumption that i_(ul) remains constant independent of charger loading may be made. To check this assumption, consider 14 G wire and 90 ft of wire length between the unknown load 149 and fuse box 150. FIG. 5 shows the percent change in i_(ul) over a range of values of i₂. The load current, i_(ul), varies by less than 5%.

From (11), (12) and (13)

$\begin{matrix} {i_{ul} = {\frac{V_{ac}}{R_{ul}}\frac{1}{1 + \frac{2R_{1}}{{2R_{2}} + R_{ul}} + \frac{2R_{1}}{R_{ul}}}}} & (15) \end{matrix}$

If i_(ul) is constant for the reasons explained above, (15) reduces to

$\begin{matrix} {i_{ul} = \frac{V_{ac}}{R_{ul}}} & (16) \end{matrix}$

(16) is approximately equal to (15) for conditions where R₁<<R_(ul) and/or R_(Chgr) is large. Solving for R_(source) (assuming V_(ac) does not change with load)

V _(fusebox) =V _(ac)−(i ₁)*R _(source,)   (17)

and

Vfusebox=V _(ln)+2V _(ng)   (18)

where

V _(ln) =V ₁ −V _(n)   (19)

and

V _(ng) =V _(n) −V _(g)   (20)

Referring now to FIGS. 3, 4 and 6, i₂=0 at T0 (i.e., just before the charger 114 is turned on), and i₂>0 at T1 (i.e., just after the charger 114 is turned on). The values of V_(ln0), V_(ng0) (i.e., the voltage drops between the power and return lines 136, 138 and return and ground lines 138, 140, respectively at T0), V_(ln1), V_(ng1) (i.e., the voltage drops between the power and return lines 136, 138 and return and ground lines 138, 140, respectively at T1), and i₂ can be measured at the charger 114 by first solving (17) with i₂=0 and then subtracting from it (17) when i₂>0.

The following equation is obtained from (14) and (17)

V _(fusebox) ₀ −V _(fusebox) ₁ =V _(ac)−(i _(ul)+0)*R _(source)−(V _(ac)−(i _(ul) +i ₂))*R _(source)   (21)

Combining (18) and (21) results in

$\begin{matrix} {R_{source} = \frac{\left( {{Vl}_{n_{0}} + {2V_{{ng}_{0}}}} \right) - \left( {V_{\ln_{1}} + {2V_{{ng}_{1}}}} \right)}{i_{2_{1}}}} & (22) \end{matrix}$

Solving for the wire resistance R₁+R₂ (assuming i_(ul) is constant) (13) can be solved for the conditions of i₂=0 and i₂>0. For i₂=0 at T0, (13) and (14) reduce to

V _(ng) =i _(ul) *R ₁   (23)

For i₂>0 at T1, (13) with (14) can be rewritten as

V _(ng1)=(i _(ul) +i ₂)*R ₁ +i ₂ *R ₂   (24)

Subtracting (24) from (23) yields

$\begin{matrix} {{\left( {V_{{ng}_{1}} - V_{{ng}_{0}}} \right)_{i_{{ul}_{constant}}}} = {i_{2}*R_{T}}} & (25) \end{matrix}$

where

R _(T) +R ₁ +R ₂   (26)

Solving for the wire resistance yields

$\begin{matrix} {{R_{1} + R_{2}} = \frac{V_{{ng}_{1}} - V_{{ng}_{0}}}{i_{2}}} & (27) \end{matrix}$

Solving for the Wire Resistance R₁

A relationship between R₁ and R₂ may be obtained to determine the value of i_(ul). This may be achieved by considering the thermal heating of wire in the circuit 148 caused by the power it dissipates when an additional load from the charger 114 is applied.

Referring now to FIG. 7, the energy, W_(T), in the entire wire length (the length associated with R₁ and R₂) due to the added charger current is

W _(T) =W _(R1) +W _(R2) =∫R ₁(i _(ul) +i ₂)² dt+∫R ₂ *i ₂ ² dt   (28)

where W_(R1) and W_(R2) are the respective energies in the wires associated with R₁ and R₂.

The energy change, ΔU, in the entire wire length is

ΔU=(cm ₁ ΔT ₁ −Q _(c) _(g1) )+(cm₂ ΔT ₂ −Q _(c) _(g2) )=∫R ₁(i _(ul) +i ₂)² dt+∫R ₂ *i ₂ ² dt−Q _(c) _(g1) −Q _(c) _(g1)   (29)

where m₁, m₂, ΔT₁ and ΔT₂ are the mass and change in temperature, respectively, of the wire lengths denoted by R₁ and R₂, c is the specific heat capacity of the wire lengths, and Q is the heat applied.

Additionally,

$\begin{matrix} {{{\Delta \; T_{1}} = {\frac{{\int{{R_{1}\left( {i_{ul} + i_{2}} \right)}^{2}{t}}} - Q_{c_{R\; 1}}}{{cm}_{1}}\mspace{14mu} {and}}}\mspace{14mu} {{\Delta \; T_{2}} = \frac{{\int{{R_{2}\left( i_{2} \right)}^{2}{t}}} - Q_{c_{R\; 2}}}{{cm}_{2}}}} & (30) \end{matrix}$

When wire is heated, its resistance changes as explained with reference to (1) and (2). (30) can thus be written in terms of R:

$\begin{matrix} {{{\Delta \; R_{1}} = {\frac{\alpha \; R_{1}}{{cm}_{1}}\left( {{\int{{R_{1}\left( {i_{ul} + i_{2}} \right)}^{2}{t}}} - Q_{c_{R\; 1}}} \right)\mspace{14mu} {and}}}{{\Delta \; R_{2}} = {\frac{\alpha \; R_{2}}{{cm}_{2}}\left( {{\int{{R_{2}\left( i_{2} \right)}^{2}{t}}} - Q_{c_{R\; 2}}} \right)}}} & (31) \end{matrix}$

The change in voltage drop across R₁ and R₂ is ΔV=ΔR*I or

$\begin{matrix} {{{\Delta \; V_{1}} = {\frac{\alpha \; R_{1}}{{cm}_{1}}\left( {{\int{{R_{1}\left( {i_{ul} + i_{2}} \right)}^{2}{t}}} - Q_{c_{R\; 1}}} \right)*\left( {i_{ul} + i_{2}} \right)\mspace{14mu} {and}}}{{\Delta \; V_{2}} = {\frac{\alpha \; R_{2}}{{cm}_{2}}\left( {{\int{{R_{2}\left( i_{2} \right)}^{2}{t}}} - Q_{c_{R\; 2}}} \right)*i_{2}}}} & (32) \end{matrix}$

Expanding ΔV₁ yields

$\begin{matrix} {{\Delta \; V_{1}} = {\frac{\alpha \; R_{1}}{{cm}_{1}}\left( {{\int{{R_{1}\left( {i_{ul}^{2} + {2i_{ul}*i_{2}} + i_{2}} \right)}^{2}{t}}} - Q_{c_{R\; 1}}} \right)*\left( {i_{ul} + i_{2}} \right)}} & (33) \end{matrix}$

Evaluating the ratio of ΔV_(T) to ΔV_(R1) yields

$\begin{matrix} \begin{matrix} {\frac{\Delta \; V_{T}}{V_{1}} = \frac{{\Delta \; V_{1}} + {\Delta \; V_{2}}}{\Delta \; V_{1}}} \\ {= \frac{\begin{matrix} {{\frac{\alpha \; R_{1}}{{cm}_{1}}\left( {{\int{{R_{1}\left( {i_{ul}^{2} + {2i_{ul}*i_{2}} + i_{2}^{2}} \right)}{t}}} - Q_{c_{R\; 1}}} \right)*\left( {i_{ul} + i_{2}} \right)} +} \\ {\frac{\alpha \; R_{2}}{{cm}_{2}}\left( {{\int{{R_{2}\left( i_{2}^{2} \right)}{t}*\left( i_{2} \right)}} - Q_{c_{R\; 2}}} \right)*i_{2}} \end{matrix}}{\frac{\alpha \; R_{1}}{{cm}_{1}}\left( {{\int{{R_{1}\left( {i_{ul}^{2} + {2i_{ul}*i_{2}} + i_{2}^{2}} \right)}{t}}} - Q_{c_{R\; 1}}} \right)*\left( {i_{ul} + i_{2}} \right)}} \end{matrix} & (34) \end{matrix}$

As known to those of ordinary skill, the mass, m, of a wire is related to its area, A, and length, l, by

m=ζ*A*l   (35)

where ζ is the density of the metal. As also known to those of ordinary skill, the resistance, R, of a wire is related to its area and length by

R=p*l/A   (36)

where ρ is the resistivity of the metal.

From (35) and (36) if the area (Gauge) of the wire is constant in the circuit 148 then

m α R   (37)

and

$\begin{matrix} {\frac{R_{1}}{R_{T}} = \frac{m_{1}}{m_{T}}} & (38) \end{matrix}$

where m_(T)=m₁+m₂.

Considering (35) and (36), (34) reduces to

$\begin{matrix} \begin{matrix} {\frac{\Delta \; V_{T}}{V_{1}} = \frac{{\Delta \; V_{1}} + {\Delta \; V_{2}}}{\Delta \; V_{1}}} \\ {= \frac{\begin{matrix} {{\left( {{\int{{R_{1}\left( {i_{ul}^{2} + {2i_{ul}*i_{2}} + i_{2}^{2}} \right)}{t}}} - Q_{c_{R\; 1}}} \right)*\left( {i_{ul} + i_{2}} \right)} +} \\ \left. {\left( {{\int{{R_{2}\left( i_{2}^{2} \right)}{t}}} - Q_{c_{R\; 2}}} \right)*\left( i_{2} \right)} \right) \end{matrix}}{\left( {{\int{{R_{1}\left( {i_{ul}^{2} + {2i_{ul}*i_{2}} + i_{2}^{2}} \right)}{t}}} - Q_{c_{R\; 1}}} \right)*\left( {i_{ul} + i_{2}} \right)}} \end{matrix} & (39) \end{matrix}$

Q_(cR) may be written as

$\begin{matrix} {Q_{cR} = {{kA}\frac{\Delta \; T}{\Delta \; X}}} & (40) \end{matrix}$

where k is the insulation thermal conductivity of the wire, A is the area of the exposed insulation, ΔT is the difference between the air and the wire temperature, and ΔX is the distance between temperature readings. (For this analysis, these terms will be assumed to be small and also reduced in effect when included in both the numerator and denominator of (39). Other implementations may include some empirical compensation for these terms.)

Considering (40), (39) reduces to

$\begin{matrix} \begin{matrix} {\frac{\Delta \; V_{T}}{V_{1}} = \frac{{\Delta \; V_{1}} + {\Delta \; V_{2}}}{\Delta \; V_{1}}} \\ {= \frac{\begin{matrix} {{\left( {\int{{R_{1}\left( {i_{ul}^{2} + {2i_{ul}*i_{2}} + i_{2}^{2}} \right)}{t}}} \right)*\left( {i_{ul} + i_{2}} \right)} +} \\ \left( {\int{{R_{2}\left( i_{2}^{2} \right)}{t}*\left( i_{2} \right)}} \right) \end{matrix}}{\left( {\int{{R_{1}\left( {i_{ul}^{2} + {2i_{ul}*i_{2}} + i_{2}^{2}} \right)}{t}}} \right)*\left( {i_{ul} + i_{2}} \right)}} \end{matrix} & (41) \end{matrix}$

As wire heats up, the wire resistance increases and the current through the wire deceases slightly. For this analysis, the change will be considered small enough to neglect. Additionally the value of i₂ may be held constant to simplify (41) to

$\begin{matrix} \begin{matrix} \frac{{\Delta \; V_{1}} + {\Delta \; V_{2}}}{\Delta \; V_{1}} \\ {= \frac{{{R_{1}\left( {i_{ul}^{2} + {2i_{ul}*i_{2}} + i_{2}^{2}} \right)}*\left( {i_{ul} + i_{2}} \right)} + {R_{2}*\left( i_{2}^{2} \right)*\left( i_{2} \right)}}{\int{{R_{1}\left( {i_{ul}^{2} + {2i_{ul}*i_{2}} + i_{2}^{2}} \right)}*\left( {i_{ul} + i_{2}} \right)}}} \end{matrix} & (42) \end{matrix}$

The equation contains unknown terms R₁, R₂ and i_(ul). If R₁≦R₁+R₂, then from (27)

$\begin{matrix} {i_{{ul}_{\min}} \geq \frac{V_{{ng}_{0}}}{R_{1} + R_{2}}} & (43) \end{matrix}$

Thus establishing the minimum value of i_(ul) where

$\begin{matrix} {i_{ul} = {i_{{ul}_{\min}}*\frac{R_{1} + R_{2}}{R_{1}}}} & (44) \end{matrix}$

Including (26), (43) and (44) in (42) yields

$\begin{matrix} {\frac{{\Delta \; V_{1}} + {\Delta \; V_{2}}}{\Delta \; V_{1}} = \frac{\begin{matrix} {{R_{1}\left( {\left( {i_{{ul}_{\min}}*\frac{R_{T}}{R_{1}}} \right)^{2} + {2\left( {i_{{ul}_{\min}}*\frac{R_{T}}{R_{1}}} \right)*i_{2}} + i_{2}^{2}} \right)}*} \\ {\left( {\left( {i_{{ul}_{\min}}*\frac{R_{T}}{R_{1}}} \right) + i_{2}} \right) + {\left( {R_{T} - R_{1}} \right)*\left( i_{2}^{2} \right)*\left( i_{2} \right)}} \end{matrix}}{\begin{matrix} {{R_{1}\left( {\left( {i_{{ul}_{\min}}*\frac{R_{T}}{R_{1}}} \right)^{2} + {2\left( {i_{{ul}_{\min}}*\frac{R_{T}}{R_{1}}} \right)*i_{2}} + i_{2}^{2}} \right)}*} \\ \left( {\left( {i_{{ul}_{\min}}*\frac{R_{T}}{R_{1}}} \right) + i_{2}} \right) \end{matrix}}} & (45) \end{matrix}$

An inspection of (45) shows that the only unknown term is R₁. The solution may be computationally intensive and may be better solved by an algorithm that iterates to the correct solution of R_(i). Alternatively, an additional assumption that i_(ul) existed for a reasonably long time so as to have heated the wire to a constant temperature could be made (this may be confirmed, for example, by measuring V_(ng0) over a period of time to make sure it is not increasing). Using this assumption, (45) reduces to

$\begin{matrix} {\frac{{\Delta \; V_{1}} + {\Delta \; V_{2}}}{\Delta \; V_{1}} = {\quad{\quad{\quad\frac{{{R_{1}\left( {{2\left( {i_{{ul}_{\min}}*\frac{R_{T}}{R_{1}}} \right)} + i_{2}} \right)}* \left( {\left( {i_{{ul}_{\min}}*\frac{R_{T}}{R_{1}}} \right) + i_{2}} \right)} + {\left( {R_{T} - R_{1}} \right)* \left( i_{2}^{2} \right)}}{{R_{1}\left( {{2\left( {i_{{ul}_{\min}}*\frac{R_{T}}{R_{1}}} \right)} + i_{2}} \right)}*\left( {\left( {i_{{ul}_{\min}}*\frac{R_{T}}{R_{1}}} \right) + i_{2}} \right)}}}}} & (46) \end{matrix}$

The value of ΔT/V₁ may not be measurable while i₂>0 so an alternative to (45) is to measure the numerator with i₂>0 and the denominator with i₂=0. This reduces (45) to

$\begin{matrix} {\frac{V_{{ng}_{2}} - V_{{ng}_{1}}}{V_{{ng}_{3}} - V_{{ng}_{0}}} = \frac{{{R_{1}\left( {{2\left( {i_{{ul}_{\min}}*\frac{R_{T}}{R_{1}}} \right)} + i_{2}} \right)}* \left( {\left( {i_{{ul}_{\min}}*\frac{R_{T}}{R_{1}}} \right) + i_{2}} \right)} + {\left( {R_{T} - R_{1}} \right)* \left( i_{2}^{2} \right)}}{{R_{1}\left( {{2\left( {i_{{ul}_{\min}}*\frac{R_{T}}{R_{1}}} \right)} + i_{2}} \right)}*\left( {i_{{ul}_{\min}}*\frac{R_{T}}{R_{1}}} \right)}} & (47) \end{matrix}$

where V_(ng2)−V_(ng1)=ΔV₁+ΔV₂ and V_(ng3)−V_(ng0)=ΔV₁.

(46) can be solved for R1:

$\begin{matrix} {R_{1} = \frac{2*i_{{ul}\; \min}^{2}*R_{T}*\left( {V_{1} - V_{0} + V_{3} - V_{2}} \right)}{i_{2}*\left( {{i_{{ul}\; \min}*\left( {{3\; V_{0}} - V_{1} + V_{2} - {3V_{3}}} \right)} + {i_{2}*\left( {V_{0} - V_{3}} \right)}} \right)}} & (48) \end{matrix}$

where V_(x) is V_(ng) at T_(x) of FIG. 6.

Solving for R₂

From (26)

R ₂ =R _(T) −R ₁   (49)

Solving for R_(ul) and i_(ul)

Equation (11) can be used to solve for R_(ul). At T0, V_(ln)=i_(ul)*R_(ul) and V_(ng)=i_(ul)*R₁. As a result,

$\begin{matrix} {{\frac{V_{\ln_{0}}}{{V_{ng}}_{0}} = \frac{R_{ul}}{R_{1}}},} & (50) \end{matrix}$

m₁, m₂, R₁ and R₂ may be solved for using (29), (30), (50) and (51). Standard look-up tables, stored for example in memory of the microprocessor 142, may then be used to determine the gauge and thus maximum total current, i_(max), rating of the wiring associated with R₁ and R₂. The microprocessor 142 may then control i₂, using the techniques discussed herein, such that

i _(max) ≦i _(ul) +i ₂   (53)

The resistance of the load 149, R_(ul), may, of course, include reactive components. As apparent to those of ordinary skill, these reactive components may be determined by incorporating θ (discussed with reference to (10)) into the appropriate equations above in a known fashion. Any suitable technique, however, may be used.

Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, the difference between V_(ac) and V_(l) (the upper circuit branch resistance) includes the voltage drop across R_(source). The difference between V_(ac) and V_(n) (the lower circuit branch resistance) does not include the voltage drop across R_(source). R_(source) represents the impedance looking back into the A/C line and has a real value greater than 0. If, however, there is a fault in the lower circuit branch such that its resistance is greater than that of the upper circuit branch, the calculation of R_(source) will return a small or negative value. If there is a fault in the upper circuit branch, the calculation of R_(source) will return an excessively large value. Faults in the upper and/or lower circuit branch can thus be identified and the operation of the battery charger 114 altered accordingly.

Referring now to FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 8, R_(source) may be determined as indicated at 154. For example, the microprocessor 142 may calculate R_(source) as explained above with reference to (18) through (21). As indicated at 156, it is determined whether R_(source) is outside of its expected range. For example, the microprocessor 142 may determine whether R_(source) is greater than 3Ω or less than 0Ω. While 3Ω represents a resistance that, when combined with the upper and lower resistances, can result in line to neutral voltages considered to be brown out conditions, lower values of resistance for R_(source) can be used and may be more representative of an error free circuit. If yes, the operation of the battery charger 114 may be altered as indicated at 158. For example, the microprocessor 142 may reduce i_(max) of (53), or discontinue the operation of the battery charger 114.

Referring now to FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 9, it is determined whether R_(source) is greater than its expected range as indicated at 160. For example, the microprocessor 142 may determine whether R_(source) is greater than 3Ω. If no, it is determined whether R_(source) is less than its lower threshold value as indicated at 162. For example, the microprocessor 142 may determine whether R_(source) is less than −1Ω. (In this example, the threshold values are 1Ω outside of the boundaries of the expected range. Other schemes, however, may be used. As will be discussed below, if R_(source) is between the threshold value and the boundary of the expected range, the charging output of the battery charger 114 will be reduced. If the magnitude of R_(source) is greater than the magnitude of the threshold value, operation of the battery charger 114 will cease.) If yes, operation of the battery charger 114 is discontinued as indicated at 164. For example, the microprocessor 142 may discontinue charging the battery. If no, the output of the battery charger 114 is reduced as indicated at 166. For example, the microprocessor 142 may reduce i_(max) of (53) proportionally to the difference between the value of R_(source) and the boundary of the expected range. If R_(source) is −0.5Ω and the boundary of the expected range is 0Ω, then the microprocessor may reduce i_(max) of (53) by 50%.

Returning again to 160, if yes, it is determined whether R_(source) is greater than its upper threshold value as indicated at 168. For example, the microprocessor 142 may determine whether R_(source) is greater than +4Ω. (As explained above, the threshold values in this example are 1Ω outside that of the boundaries of the expected range.) If yes, operation of the battery charger 114 is discontinued as indicated at 164. If no, the output of the battery charger 114 is reduced as indicated at 166. For example, the microprocessor 142 may reduce i_(max) of (53) proportionally to the difference between the value of R_(source) and the boundary of the expected range. If R_(source) is +3.7Ω and the boundary of the expected range is +3Ω, then the microprocessor may reduce i_(max) of (53) by 70%.

While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe all possible forms of the invention. The words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. A method for controlling a current flow through a power distribution circuit including a power line and return line, the method comprising: determining a difference between a resistance of the power line and a resistance of the return line; and controlling a current flow through the distribution circuit based on the determined difference.
 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising determining whether a magnitude of the determined difference is greater than a first threshold value.
 3. The method of claim 2 wherein controlling a current flow through the distribution circuit based on the determined difference includes reducing current flow through the distribution circuit if the magnitude is greater than the first threshold value.
 4. The method of claim 2 further comprising determining whether the magnitude is greater than a second threshold value if the magnitude is greater than the first threshold value.
 5. The method of claim 4 wherein controlling a current flow through the distribution circuit based on the determined difference includes stopping the controlled current flow through the distribution circuit if the magnitude is greater than the second threshold value.
 6. An automotive vehicle capable of receiving power from a power distribution circuit including a power line and return line, the vehicle comprising: a controller disposed within the vehicle and configured to (i) be electrically connected with the power distribution circuit (ii) determine a difference between a resistance of the power line and a resistance of the return line, and (iii) control a current flow through the distribution circuit based on the determined difference.
 7. The vehicle of claim 6 wherein the controller is further configured to determine whether a magnitude of the determined difference is greater than a first threshold value.
 8. The vehicle of claim 7 wherein controlling a current flow through the distribution circuit based on the determined difference includes reducing current flow through the distribution circuit if the magnitude is greater than the first threshold value.
 9. The vehicle of claim 7 wherein the controller is further configured to determine whether the magnitude is greater than a second threshold value if the magnitude is greater than the first threshold value.
 10. The vehicle of claim 9 wherein controlling a current flow through the distribution circuit based on the determined difference includes stopping the controlled current flow through the distribution circuit if the magnitude is greater than the second threshold value.
 11. A battery charger capable of (i) receiving power from a power distribution circuit including a power line and return line and (ii) transferring the power to a battery, the battery charger comprising: controller circuitry configured to determine a difference between a resistance of the power line and a resistance of the return line, and to control current flow through the distribution circuit based on the determined difference.
 12. The battery charger of claim 11 wherein the controller circuitry is further configured to determine whether a magnitude of the determined difference is greater than a first threshold value.
 13. The battery charger of claim 12 wherein controlling a current flow through the distribution circuit based on the determined difference includes reducing current flow through the distribution circuit if the magnitude is greater than the first threshold value.
 14. The battery charger of claim 12 wherein the controller circuitry is further configured to determine whether the magnitude is greater than a second threshold value if the magnitude is greater than the first threshold value.
 15. The battery charger of claim 14 wherein controlling a current flow through the distribution circuit based on the determined difference includes stopping the controlled current flow through the distribution circuit if the magnitude is greater than the second threshold value. 